Introduction:
For those who don’t know me, I am a medical professional. I’ve been an RN for 5 years in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and everything in between. Mainly working ED (commonly known as ER). But every so often, I’ll thke a few clinic shifts. This story I am about to share has been eating me up for the last 2.5 years. Names and locations will not be disclosed (HIPAA).
Story:
This we’ll be a reader’s digest version (condensed).
While taking an extra shift at a clinic, I had a patient of 9y/o. Starting with basic triage (Temp, BP, HR, and, O2) Basic charting, prepping them for the MD. While entering results I spotted a diagnosis code I haven’t seen before (W46.1XXA). Which translates to Contact with contaminated hypodermic needle. Long sorry short, this child was infected with HIV from a needle carelessly left out from thier parents drug usage. Later found out the the child was removed from the home and placed with a loving family, who takes them to their bimonthly appointments to check their t-cell count. This child can no longer be a child. They were forced to take control of their life and future at too early of age.
Closing:
I’m sorry, if this is depressing for some. I will never forget this child. I just needed to throw it out there.